Songjeong Gwangeogol Korean restaurant, 19,000 won lunch: Songjeongok

A generous abalone pot rice set in a stately tile-roofed building — perfect for taking your parents!

A while back, a friend and I took a trip out to the area near Songjeong Beach in Busan for some sea breeze after a long time. As the saying goes, even Mount Geumgang looks better after a meal, so before soaking in the beautiful ocean view, I wanted a hearty, clean lunch — and that's how we ended up at 'Songjeongok Songjeong Main Branch,' a Korean restaurant I'd bookmarked in advance. I'd been eyeing this place after searching for Haeundae Songjeong hanjeongsik (Korean set-meal) restaurants and seeing how good the reviews were, and I came away more than satisfied with the neat, generous side dishes and the upscale full-table spread.

↑↑↑↑ The 1st floor had a lovely atmosphere, and we went up to check out the 2nd floor too.

What does Songjeongok Songjeong Main Branch look like, and is there parking?

Songjeongok Songjeong Main Branch sits on the Songjeong Gwanahgol-ro street and shows off a gorgeous tile-roofed exterior that catches your eye even from a distance. There's a private parking lot right in front, so it's convenient if you're driving. The interior blends traditional beauty with a modern, clean feel, so I already felt well taken care of before even stepping inside. It struck me as a great spot for a date with friends or a partner, and just as fitting for bringing my parents later on. Thanks to the hanok tile-roof concept, it felt like a warm, elegant space for family meals, taking your parents, or coming with kids.

Can the second floor at Songjeongok seat a big group?

Songjeongok Songjeong Main Branch has a two-story layout, and the 2nd floor has plenty of tables — easily enough scale for a big extended-family meal, a company dinner, or a large group. The inside was much bigger and more comfortable than I expected.

The 2nd floor especially blew me away — the space felt incredibly open, and the seating was spaced out comfortably. Between the spacious floors and friendly service, this place would work perfectly for family gatherings or group dinners. Warm sunlight poured in through the wide windows, making it an ideal spot to catch up with a friend over a relaxed lunch. They also run a 'named-ingredient system' using rice milled the same day, which boosted my trust in the rice quality right away.

What comes with the 19,000 won abalone pot rice set?

We ordered two servings of Songjeongok's signature 'abalone pot rice set,' priced at 19,000 won per person. The menu was full of neat, nourishing set-meal options, but the combination of pot rice, bossam, and various handmade side dishes really stood out.

Soon after, a spread arrived on the table so generous it nearly tipped the scales — the main dish and side dishes were arranged so neatly that it felt like being treated to something special. A big round plate with bossam at the center, surrounded by a dozen or so colorful side dishes, was a striking sight. Add in a hearty-smelling stew, fresh lettuce wraps, and salad, and the table was completely full.

Unfortunately, the beef hinoki steam dish at the table next to us looked so delicious that we ended up sticking with the basic set instead of adding it this time — but now I really want to try it next visit. Watching it from next door, the steam rising from the steamer and the color of the meat looked seriously incredible!

How the abalone pot rice and gabrisal bossam taste

The moment we lifted the lid off Songjeongok's abalone pot rice, a nutty aroma and deep flavor hit us right away. Fresh sliced abalone and egg garnish were piled generously on top of the rice, and the look alone made my mouth water. After mixing it all together and taking a big bite, every grain of rice was infused with a savory nuttiness, and the umami deepened with each chew. It wasn't overly seasoned, so it sat comfortably in the stomach. Served alongside neatly arranged side dishes on brass bowls, the pot rice mixed with the creamy innards sauce for a genuinely special flavor. The gabrisal bossam (pork wrap using a special cut) served alongside was a real standout too — instead of the usual pork belly or shoulder bossam, it used a special cut called gabrisal, which meant zero dryness and a texture so tender it practically melted in my mouth.

The tofu that comes with it is also great dipped in peanut sauce.

How many side dishes, and are refills free?

Songjeongok offers free refills on the basic side dishes, and there were so many varieties that picking and choosing was half the fun. Whenever a dish ran low, the staff happily refilled it when we asked, so we could enjoy a filling, worry-free meal.

• Soft tofu that pairs nicely with bossam
• Well-fermented bossam kimchi and pickled radish strips
• Spicy green onion kimchi for a kick, and clean white kimchi
• Sweet-and-spicy seasoned soy crab
• Fresh garlic, ssamjang (dipping paste), lettuce and napa cabbage wraps
• Hearty, rich tofu doenjang stew

The hearty, rich tofu doenjang stew was perfect for a spoonful between bites of pot rice, and wrapping the bossam and side dishes in fresh lettuce and napa cabbage made for a mouthful of happiness. My friend and I both agreed, laughing, 'We could get full just eating the side dishes.'

Nurungji sungnyung to finish: is 19,000 won worth it?

The real charm of pot rice is the warm scorched-rice tea (nurungji sungnyung) at the end! Before eating, we scooped the rice out into bowls first, then poured warm water into the pot and let it sit until the end of the meal, when we lifted the lid. Since the scorched rice formed in a pot that still carried the subtle nuttiness of the abalone, it tasted far deeper and smoother than ordinary scorched-rice tea. Sipping the last spoonful warm felt like the perfect way to finish, warming my whole body.

19,000 won per person didn't feel exactly light at first, but considering the spacious, comfortable restaurant, the sheer number of dishes served, and the satisfying fullness afterward, it felt like great value for a nourishing meal. Among the hanjeongsik restaurants in Haeundae Songjeong, this level of quality and service gives me no reason not to come back.

Overall verdict on Songjeongok

Overall satisfaction and likelihood to revisit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — full five stars!

One-line review: A massive 2nd floor that easily handles group gatherings, and a perfect match of generous side dishes with abalone pot rice!

The 2nd floor seating is genuinely spacious and comfortable, so I'd strongly recommend it if you're planning a family gathering or group visit. Next time, I'll definitely add the beef hinoki steam, and make sure to try the bossam with green onion kimchi combo! After filling up with my friend, we finished off with a walk around the area for the perfect outing. If you're looking for a neat, generous meal in Songjeong, Busan, definitely stop by.

Songjeongok Songjeong Main Branch: hours, address and parking

• Name: Songjeongok Songjeong Main Branch
• Address: 54-1 Songjeonggwanahgol-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea (1st & 2nd floors)
• Hours: 11:00–22:00 (break 15:00–17:00, closed Wednesdays — check ahead)
• Amenities: Reservations, Wi-Fi, separate restrooms, baby chairs, private parking lot